GLASTONBURY — The school board has renewed Superintendent Alan B. Bookman's contract through 2018 and awarded him a 4.5 percent raise.

Chairwoman Susan Karp said the board has been pleased with Bookman's leadership. Bookman has been superintendent of the 6,000-student school system since July 2004.

"If you do not have someone at the helm who is able to balance an awful lot every day, you cannot be successful. He's a leader not only with the professionals he works with, but he's a leader for us, as well."

Karp said Bookman "led the school system through a number of challenges" last year, including implementing the Common Core curriculum and Smarter Balanced testing, devising a consolidation plan for elementary schools, managing staff as elementary school enrollments are dropping, and implementing other educational changes from the state and federal governments.

"These are all things that take a great deal of time and energy and resources," Karp said, "but are in addition to what's expected of a superintendent every day ... Dr. Bookman provides leadership, knowledge, dedication and vision that really gives the opportunity for staff and students to excel."

Karp noted that Bookman's raises over the past seven years have averaged 2.36 percent. Last year, the board gave Bookman a 4 percent raise. Bookman will make approximately $235,000 this year. His contract runs through June 2018.

Grieveson, the budget subcommitte chairman, said that under Bookman, special education costs have increased by no more than 2.5 percent — or 12 percent of the budget — for the past several years. He noted special education costs in other districts are 15 to 25 percent of the budget. There have also been no increases in the school system's self-funded health insurance plan for the past three years.

"Quite frankly, that's outstanding," he said. "In maintaining the quality of the education program and efficiencies in terms of cost, to me that's the best indication of value. This is what we get from Dr. B."

Board member Lisa Furbush said it is Bookman's work with students that impresses her.

"It's those students who find themselves in trouble and that you take the time with them and their families to make sure they maintain their education. You take care of every student in this system," she said.

Bookman said he appreciated the praise, but noted he sees his work with the board as a team effort.

"Everyone has their own point of view, but we still work as a team together," he said. "We try to do what is best for the students in the school system. We all believe that the goal is to do our very best for our students and that's what makes it worthwhile."